TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Charlie Kirk, a well-known close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot to death on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, while speaking at his American Comeback Tour event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Utah.
Videos of the incident posted online show the conservative political activist sitting in front of a large crowd of 3,000 people when he was struck by a blaring gunshot to the neck. With witnesses describing the bloody event, here’s everything we know so far about what is being widely referred to as a “political assassination.”
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was among the highest-profile right-wing activists, media personalities, and authors in the United States. He was best known as a devoted and close ally of President Donald Trump.
At 18, Kirk founded Turning Point, an organization that spread conservative ideals aimed at younger generations. In 2020, he authored a bestseller titled “The MAGA Doctrine,” which refers to Trump’s Make America Great campaign.
Throughout his career as a millennial activist, Kirk promoted the MAGA movement across the grassroots aspect, the BBC said. Most clips of him online mostly addressed his stance on issues such as faith, family values, financial awareness, transgender identity, and climate change.
Chronology of the Charlie Kirk Incident
Kirk was participating in a multi-campus Turning Point tour event at Utah Valley University when the shooting occurred. The “American Comeback Tour” was scheduled to rally around multiple liberal-leaning colleges throughout the fall.
The fatal incident took place in front of around 3,000 attendees, where Kirk challenged students to debate social issues. According to local reports, the university released a statement that a shot was fired at Kirk shortly after 12 PM local time.
The nation’s top conservative youth group was reportedly in the middle of a discussion on mass shootings when the shooting happened. In response to a pointed question, “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the past decade?” Kirk replied, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Only seconds later, a bullet struck his neck, causing him to collapse into his chair.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital in a private vehicle, but the medical intervention was unsuccessful. His death was officially announced via a social media post by President Donald Trump.
Who Are the Suspects Behind the Tragedy?
Hours after the death of Charlie Kirk, state authorities continued their investigation to discern the motives behind the killing of the biggest ally of President Trump.
The head of the Utah Department of Public Safety described a suspect as wearing all-dark clothing. According to various sources, two people were taken to custody following the incident, but were later released after officials announced they had no likely links to the assassination.
Al Jazeera reported that Kirk initially had a private security team, in addition to six officers assigned to the event, when the fatal attack occurred.
Prominent Figures Who Share Condolences Following Charlie Kirk’s Death
President Donald Trump ordered that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds until sunset, September 14, 2024, in honor of Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old’s death sparked a wave of condolences from notable figures as messages of sympathy flooded social media. Below are some of the tributes:
Joe Biden
Former U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the act of violence on his official account, stating, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Kamala Harris
In a post on X, former Vice President Kamala Harris sent prayers to the right-wing activist, saying, “I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
Barack Obama
Former U.S. President Barack Obama also paid tribute on his official social media to the incident, writing, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Bill Clinton
In a similar tone, Bill Clinton expressed his condolences to Charlie Kirk’s family on his account, “I’m saddened and angered by Charlie Kirk’s murder. And I hope we all go through some serious introspection and redouble our efforts to engage in debate passionately, yet peacefully. Hillary and I are keeping Erika, their two young children, and their family in our prayers.”
George Bush
The 43rd President of the U.S., George Bush, also wrote on his social media, "Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views. It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens. May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility."
Charlie Kirk’s death leaves behind not only a grieving family and a movement he helped build, but also a legacy that shaped conservative youth politics in America. As tributes continue to pour in, Kirk will be remembered as a polarizing yet influential figure.
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